Thomas F.
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RangerSpitler Woods State Natural Area
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Great sites. Plenty to do. Favorite place to camp in Illinois.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Downs, IL
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Moraine View State Recreational Area and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provide electric hookups for campers traveling with pets near Downs, Illinois. Both parks maintain pet-friendly policies requiring leashed pets throughout camping areas and trails. Bathrooms and showers remain clean and accessible at both locations, though Moraine View campers note some sites lack water hookups at individual campsites, requiring fill-up before setting up camp. Sites at Moraine View range from lakefront spots with good fishing access to more secluded wooded areas where dogs can enjoy shade during summer months. Clinton Lake allows alcohol while Moraine View prohibits it, an important distinction for evening relaxation with pets.
The hiking trails surrounding Moraine View offer excellent opportunities for dog walking, with multiple trail options varying in length and difficulty. Many campsites feature enough space between neighbors for comfortable pet containment, though some areas have sites positioned closer together than ideal for reactive dogs. Fall visitors particularly appreciate the colorful foliage and abundant wildlife watching with leashed pets. Sites at Moraine View have considerable slope in some areas, requiring proper leveling equipment for RVs and careful tent placement. Both parks provide sanitary dump stations, though no sewer hookups exist at sites, requiring conservation of holding tanks during extended stays with pets. The lake at Moraine View allows fishing and kayaking, providing good recreation options when camping with water-loving dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Downs (40)
1. Moraine View State Recreational Area
"I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."
"It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."
from $40 - $20 / night
Check Availability2. Comlara County Park
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
3. Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
"highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really"
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
"This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch."
"The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Filled with poison ivy, etc, so long pants recommended when waking thru."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability5. Weldon Springs State Park Campground
"It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."
"While I wish the tent are and comfort station were closer to one another, the walk really wasn't all that bad from our campsite."
6. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
"Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Wildwood Campground
8. Friends Creek Campground
"The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full. We set up and walked some in the trails."
"This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability9. Hickory Lane Campground
"Two small lakes with fountains. You can hear the fountains at night, it's nice. Excellent price for tent camping."
10. Arrowhead Acres
Drive Time
- 11 min from Bloomington, IL
- 35 min from Champaign, IL
- 43 min from Peoria, IL
- 49 min from Decatur, IL
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Downs, IL
33 Photos of 40 Downs Campgrounds
Linda N.
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Sarah S.
Comlara County Park
Priscilla J.
Weldon Springs State Park Campground
Lisa S.
Friends Creek Campground
Nick W.
Kentuckiana Campground
Ricky L.
D & W Lake RV Park
MickandKarla W.
Prairie Pines Campground
Adam F.
Carl Spindler Campground
The Dyrt
Millpoint Park
Art S.
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
Art S.
Harry L Swartz Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Downs, IL
253 Reviews of 40 Downs Campgrounds
Luna L.
GuideD & W Lake RV Park
Peaceful Evening With Gorgeous Lake
Pulled in about 7pm and immediately was greeted by the manager who showed us to our site, helped us pull in get settled and brought us firewood. The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park. Wonderful campground and only about 10 min from downtown.
- Shelly W.Guide
Kentuckiana Campground
Great for families or just a quiet getaway!
We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage. We haven’t been there when they have shows, so I can’t speak to what that is like. When we were there it was lovely. There is plenty of shade, sites are large enough for our Class A and they are pet friendly.
Stuart K.
LegendLove's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
Busy RV Highway Outpost
Let me begin by saying that I scored this Love's RV Stop as high as I did not because it is my ideal camping spot - it isn't - and I don't think anyone looks for a spot to camp out on next to a super busy highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really is pretty amazing. With that in mind, hopefully you'll pay this place a visit, stop, get fueled up, rest for the night and enjoy the convenience and easy on- and off-access that this place provides. With this in mind …
This spot is brand spanking new, incredibly flat and offers up all the flat poured concrete where you want it and freshly poured gravel where you drive and all the other parts are surrounded by freshly sodded grass that has already grown in to near maturity everywhere else. Conveniently located on the highway axis where I39 / US51 meets I55, here in central Illinois in the city of Bloomington, Love’s RV Stop is an incredibly convenient and easy access spot to drop your RV anchor for the night. Extra points to Love’s RV Stop for providing gated key-pad entry and 24 hour CCTV security delivering a real feeling of safety throughout your roadside RV or 5th Wheel stay.
The convenient app-managed reservation system is seamless and provides for an incredibly simple, remote check-in and payment process. You’ll find back-in or pull-through as well as ADA accessible sites with full hook-ups with water, sewer and choice of either 30 or 50 amp electrical at every site. At the main kiosk where you’ll check-in, there’s a brand new spartan clean single person shower facility as well as individual men and women’s restrooms in addition to a coin-operated laundry facility. Additionally, the property has 2 covered pavilions with picnic tables and gas-powered BBQ grills, community firepit that can easily seat a dozen people, 2 pickleball courts, kid’s playground and a dog park with real grass for the pups to do their business on. Now granted, you'll be enjoying all of these amenities right next to all of the swooshing highway traffic, but surprisingly, we all got over this very quickly!
Because Love’s RV Stop is connected and managed by the neighboring Love’s Truck Stop, you’ll have nearby access to their full convenience store, as well as ATMs, Bojangles Restaurant (mediocre BBQ at best), as well as additional shower facilities along with, but of course, all the gas you can pump by the gallon. But if it’s something simple like firewood, ice, sundries or snacks, you can get these items back at the Kiosk and there are 2 soda vending machines as well as an ice machine behind this small building as well.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) As you are literally on the corner of one of the busiest highway intersections in the entire Land ‘O Lincoln, there is no escaping where you are at, no matter how high they build the fence or how many bushes and trees they place between you and the 8-lanes of rushing passerby traffic and there’s not a single site here to escape the noise, so bring your earbuds if it bothers you or crank up some Van Halen;(2) If you are looking for something more than the stale coffee or the Bojangle’s food they are serving up at the truck stop, there are endless chain options like Starbucks, Dunkin’, Moe’s Southwest Grill nearby as well as further afield; (3) If you want my top recommendations for restaurants that are worth the drive, try out Giordano’s for Chicago deep dish pizza or Portillo’s for their Italian beef & sausage sandwich (don't ask, just order and send me your thanks later); and (4) If you are looking for something to do with the kiddos, head on over to Miller Park Zoo for the wild animals, performances and mini-golf or try out Grady’s Family Fun Park, which is an amusement park with rides and games.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 5
Safety & Security: 5
Quality: 5
Peace& Quiet: 4
Amenities: 5
Overall, I scored this location a 5.
Happy Overnighting!
- CCharles M.Guide
D & W Lake RV Park
Highway haven
Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad.
Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available. Playground and dogrun for the pets.
The pond is 1/2 mile walk around. Bathrooms we clean.
If you need to get off the road and get some rest give them a try. Just north of town and you will be back on the road in no time.
- Stuart K.Legend
Millpoint Park
Waterfront Camping Bliss @ Family-Friendly CG
Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.
From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night. In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.
Happy Camping!
Art S.LegendFriends Creek Campground
Hidden among the farms - well-manicured camping
In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty. It would feel more crowded when full due to a lack of vegetation between sites. We grabbed a non-electric site but most have electric. The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full.
We set up and walked some in the trails. The conservation area extends across the road and that’s where most of the trails are. Start at the one room schoolhouse and make your way down wide trails. They aren’t that long but take a few and they add up. Stay on the camp side of the road and you can find large grassy areas with playgrounds and picnic shelters. A few trails are on this side too.
Clinton Lake Recreation area is just down the road if you want to fish or bring some watercraft.
One note: if you reserve a camping spot it’s just to have a site. Specific campsites aren’t reserved. Get here early and you have your choice.
This is a nice mid-Illinois campground!
- Stuart K.Legend
Carl Spindler Campground
Waterfront Camping Bliss with City View
This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.
This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.
While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).
Happy Camping!
Brett F.GuideMillpoint Park
Location, location, location!
We were late reserving a campsite for Memorial Day Weekend. But Don had a spot for us. We are glad we stayed.
The campground sits along the Illinois River: many campsites face it. It's secluded and quiet. Campsites are spacious and well-distanced.
There is much to do on site. The campground is situated between a nature preserve with nice walking paths and a beach. There is also an old barge to explore.
A little further away is Old Mill Vineyard. Well worth the 20 minute drive! The wine and ambiance are very nice. Ask for Ellen.
The campground only had two restrooms available during our stay. But they were nice. And don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty.
Guide to Downs
Campsites near Downs, Illinois offer diverse camping experiences throughout eastern McLean County. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills and prairie landscapes surrounding small lakes, with elevations ranging from 750 to 850 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F while fall camping season brings temperatures between 50-70°F with vibrant foliage, making September and October popular for tent campers seeking fewer insects and cooler nights.
What to do
Kayaking at Evergreen Lake: The White Oak area of Comlara County Park offers secluded tent camping with lake access. "I really enjoyed my stay at Evergreen Lake. The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RV's in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy. It was roughly a quarter-mile hike to site 14, where I stayed," notes Scott N., who appreciated the designated dock for tent campers.
Fishing at Clinton Lake: The lake at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides unique fishing conditions. "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake," explains Melissa B. The warmer water temperatures result from discharge from the nearby nuclear plant, creating different fishing conditions than other local lakes.
Hiking at Weldon Springs: The trail system at Weldon Springs State Park offers multiple hiking options. "Trails are well kept & new fishing decks are wonderful," reports Traci W. The park features a variety of paths around the main pond, including trails that connect to a historic schoolhouse, providing educational opportunities during your outdoor adventure.
What campers like
Spacious sites at Friends Creek: Friends Creek Campground offers generous campsites with natural spacing. "This campground is a true hidden gem. Lovely, treed, clean and quiet. Tent and RV sites, including 50 amp sites!" writes Kathi V. The campground sits adjacent to a tallgrass prairie conservation area complete with historic schoolhouse and mowed trails leading to the creek.
Fall colors and wildlife viewing: Moraine View State Park provides excellent opportunities for autumn camping. "This campground surprised us. We got there in the dark and woke up to Fall colors, Canadian geese, trails, playgrounds. We got in without a reservation and upgraded to a beautiful spot on the water," shares Jennifer M., highlighting the park's seasonal appeal for wildlife observers.
Rustic tent camping options: Several parks offer more secluded tent sites away from RV areas. "Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we'd wished we'd known about that area before going. Those were still a little close together but were at least wooded and you could walk from your car," explains Ryan M. about Moraine View's tent-specific camping areas that offer more seclusion than the main campground.
What you should know
Site selection varies within parks: Many campgrounds have dramatically different camping experiences depending on which loop you choose. "The different loops have very different feels...some are very shaded in the trees, some more open with a prairie type view," explains Stacia R. at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. This makes research and advance booking important for securing preferred camping environments.
Alcohol policies differ: Some campgrounds strictly prohibit alcohol while others permit it. "Nice place no alcohol. 'Lake' has had a lot of algae over the last couple years," notes Julie about Moraine View State Park. Meanwhile, Clinton Lake allows alcohol in designated camping loops, an important distinction for evening relaxation plans.
Reservation systems vary: Most state parks use ReserveAmerica, but private campgrounds have different systems. "Super convenient, great facility. Sites are concrete and level. If you're getting off the highway for an overnight stay these Loves are perfect. Did this stay completely online," explains Mark S. about Love's RV Stop, highlighting the increasing trend toward online check-in systems.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds available: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Downs feature family facilities. "Site quality: All sites are gravel and level. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are spaced a decent amount of distance apart and with the many trees, it did not feel crowded, despite being almost full when we were there," reports Lee D. about Friends Creek Campground, which also offers a playground and basketball hoop for children.
Swimming beach costs: Be prepared for additional fees at swimming areas. "Big sites! Right by jones pond, but the fishing was not the best right by our site. Beautiful park but littered with bottle caps and cigarette butts. Definitely do no enforce the no alcohol policy. Great biking trails and a couple of great geocaches. Beach costs extra and all boats were rented out by 9am on a Saturday," explains Melissa B. at Comlara County Park.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain quiet hours and family-appropriate settings. "The layout is fairly straightforward here, entrance has a spot for firewood purchase (honor system) and then the dumpsters. People overall very considerate and nice, welcoming, friendly. VERY family oriented atmosphere - there was no nonsense loud drunkards in the evenings, relatively quiet and relaxing," shares Mike K. about camping at Comlara County Park.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup details: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. "Large lots are nice, out houses need cleaned. Good rates but the kicker is the $20.00 fee per boat/kayak to get on the lake plus the fee for the swimming area was a bit much for us," notes Marcie J. about Comlara County Park, highlighting the importance of calculating total costs beyond the camping fee.
Highway-adjacent options: For overnight convenience, several RV parks offer easy highway access. "This is a nice park with full hookups at all the sites. The owner met us when we arrived and took us to our lot. They have a pool and a VERY nice shower house and restroom. They also have laundry machines which is especially nice for a large family like ours," explains Montt B. about Kamp Komfort, located near I-74.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Downs, IL?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Downs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Downs, IL is Moraine View State Recreational Area with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Downs, IL?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Downs, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Downs, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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